Werner Kok: Ulster Must Focus Inward Amidst Struggles, Not External Criticism

Ulster has not secured a victory since their match against Ospreys on 18 October. Werner Kok, an Ulster player, views the team’s current difficulties this season as an occasion to demonstrate their resolve. The province has experienced five consecutive defeats and has achieved only three wins from their ten matches played this season. Following Friday’s defeat to Munster, they are positioned 11th in the United Rugby Championship standings. They are scheduled to play Connacht in Galway on Saturday, aiming for their first win since October. “It is tough,” stated Kok, who joined the team from the Sharks during the summer. He added, “I’ve been in this situation before, you can’t really worry about what’s on the outside and what other people say. It becomes more internal now and it actually brings out the character in the team.” Kok further elaborated, “It is easy to see good character and good fight if it’s going well, and it really brings out the boys’ fight and character when it’s not going that well. It’s going to test us now.” Ulster previously defeated Connacht this season with a 32-27 scoreline when they met in Belfast. However, Kok indicated that the team will need to exhibit greater attacking precision this week compared to their performance against Munster if they intend to secure a victory in Galway. “I haven’t been there yet but I’ve heard it’s pretty tough,” he commented. “It’s another Irish derby, so we’ll sit down and see where we can improve but there are a lot of positives and whenever we get into the 22, we just have to get more points and we just have to take the game to them.”